TriMet to cyclists: 'Cross like a commuter' on Portland MallNow that bicyclists can't turn right across the Portland Mall, TriMet is advising them to use the crosswalk to make a "turn." Of course, there may be a better way, says Jeff Mapes, The Oregonian's senior writer and author of the new book "Pedaling Revolution."

As of this week, bicyclists can't turn right across the Portland Mall's new bus lanes and MAX tracks.

The agency is trying to keep the city's two-wheelers from getting creamed by buses and trains.

But there's a lot of confusion about just how exactly TriMet wants cyclists to "turn" right on the mall. Earlier, we posted that the agency was pushing the idea of cyclists stopping at the crosswalk, dismounting and walking their bikes across the mall.

That seemed overly convoluted and time-consuming. It also wasn't exactly accurate, according to Colin Maher, TriMet's bicycle programs manager.

TriMet reps have repeatedly said that they want bikes to "cross like pedestrians." Asked for clarification last week, I was told by one TriMet official that meant walking bikes across the mall in the crosswalk.

But Maher contacted me to clarify that TriMet's preferred policy is for bikes to ride in the crosswalk at walking speed -- not to get off and walk.

The TriMet way to cross the Portland Mall on your bike.

Jeff Mapes, The Oregonian's senior political writer and author of the new book "Pedaling Revolution," suggests a different way: "The Copenhagen Left."

Which works best? I'm liking the Copenhagen Left. It appears perfectly legal and doesn't require you to hop off and on your bike to get across the mall.

A graphic of TriMet recommended way for cyclists to turn right on the Portland Mall.

The TriMet method, although it doesn't require dismounting, still seems more disruptive, requiring you to re-enter the flow of traffic from a crosswalk.

Obviously, there's still a lot of confusion about this out there, since several cyclists have told me that TriMet reps told them during last week's Breakfast on the Bridges they would need to walk across the mall. They likely heard "cross like a pedestrian," which was the TriMet mantra.